MELBOURNE has strengthened its defensive stocks, securing promising 21-year-old Bodie Ryan.

The young defender joins the Demons from Hawthorn, bringing competitiveness, elite kicking and versatility to Melbourne's backline.

Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb said the club was excited to welcome Ryan.

“Bodie is a highly competitive young defender who plays with great intensity and isn't afraid to take the game on,” Lamb said.

“He provides plenty of run and carry out of defence and has the versatility to play on a range of different forwards.

“He gained some valuable AFL experience this year and played an important role in Box Hill's VFL Premiership.

“We see plenty of upside in Bodie and are confident he will be a great addition to our playing group. He gained valuable experience playing five senior games for a team that finished in the top four.”

Originally selected by Hawthorn in the 2023 AFL Draft, Ryan made his AFL debut in 2026. The 187cm defender also played an important role in Box Hill's 2026 VFL Premiership and will now continue his development in the red and blue.